Window sticker for auto insurance worth consideration

August 8, 2007|Herbert Lenhart, Boynton Beach

In the July 27 column, "Ask the Governor," parts of the governor's response to the questioner included: "I think it's important to have the best enforcement you can of laws that are already on the books. I think we have good laws as it relates to uninsured motorists. We just have to make sure that those laws get enforced."

He also stated, "There is no way the law can be enforced unless there is awareness that somebody is violating it." And "state law requires all car owners to have their vehicles insured and to have proof of insurance with them at all times while operating the vehicle."

The present proof of insurance is a card kept in the vehicle out of sight of law enforcers. Unless the vehicle is pulled over for a traffic infraction, or other reason, there is no way to ascertain whether it is insured other than by presentation of the card to the officer at the time of detention.

However, if insurance companies nationwide were mandated to provide dated windshield stickers instead of the cards, all insured vehicles would be quickly recognized by law enforcers. Absence of a sticker would identify uninsured motorists easily and enhance enforcement of existing laws.